Banging Denmark

by Van Badham

Ish Madigan is a feminist academic writing a thesis on computer games. Jake Newhouse is a full-time management consultant and part-time pickup artist. They’re not exactly best friends. But when Jake’s latest crush — a brilliant Danish librarian — doesn’t respond to his usual seduction techniques, he knows he needs help. Jake asks Ish to coach him in feminist-friendly flirtation. He’ll pay. And Ish needs the money. So, what’s stopping her? Oh, you know, just ethics, morals and every fibre of her being.

Banging Denmark is a swinging satire on the men who claim to understand the ‘female mind’ and the online culture that inspires them.

Genres: Plays

135 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2019

About the author

One of Australia's most capricious and engaging writing talents, Van Badham's career spans journalism, comedy, drama, arts criticism, genre fiction, speechwriting, music theatre and cabaret, non-fiction, writing for television and radio, and even poetry. Her first novel, Burnt Snow was published by PanMacmillan in 2010, while her plays include the award-winning The Bull, the Moon and the Coronet of Stars, Muff and a stage adaptation of Angela Carter's The Bloody Chamber, as well as Sydney Theatre Company's box-office smash, Banging Denmark<.
Van was born in Sydney and completed degrees in theatre at the University of Wollongong, the University of Sheffield (UK) and the Victorian College of the Arts. A former literary manager of both London's Finborough Theatre and Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne, she has been a regular columnist for The Guardian since 2013, and has appeared a frequent guest of both The Drum and Q&A on the ABC.

Reviews

[Nat K · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when an over-confident "management consultant" and pickup artist discovers that his moves don't cause every woman he makes eye contact with weak at the knees? Especially one as unobtainable as his latest crush in the shape of a beautiful Danish librarian. Well, he seeks the help of a savvy and smart woman to refine his seduction techniques. To get into the female psyche. And discover what women want (ha! I cannot believe I wrote that). The delicious irony. Will sparks fly? You bet. And in more ways than one.

JAKE: "...I need your help."
ISH: "Jake, I'm not going to help. I'll get some popcorn and watch, but I'm not going to help."
JAKE: "You can make me likeable."

Jake Newhouse & Ishtar (Ish) Madigan are the yin & yang of this delicious satire of modern relationships. Approaching the topic from opposite ends of the spectrum. Jake via his online "manosphere" sex guru alter ego Guy DeWitt. Ish as a feminist academic, writing her PhD on the representation of women and female sexuality in video games.

This is an edgy social commentary on sexual politics in the real world versus the online world. And all the bits we exist in between the two.

This play has cheeky, clever dialogue. Plenty of one liners. And "ewwwww" eye rolling moments, where you'll laugh & groan out loud. At the same time.

Yup, the title means exactly what you think.

Do men really understand women, and do women really understand men? Probably not. Does it matter? Again, probably not. But I guess that's half the fun.

I was lucky enough to see this performed onstage by the amazing cast of the STC*. Brilliant. I couldn't wait to get my hands on the play. Utterly clever. If you live in Sydney, go and see it! Van Badham certainly has her finger on the pulse with this one.

"I'm a holistic sexual solution service. And I'll tell you for free what you already know: if you give your balls to a chick, she's just gonna wear them as earrings."
- Jake Newhouse/Guy DeWitt

"I'm a sociologist... What you request suggests you need a psychoanalyst. Or an old copy of 'Cosmopolitan'. "
- Ish Madigan

Trigger warning! Sexually explicit and adult themes. Lots of colourful language. You have been warned! But read it anyway. And go see the play.

*STC = Sydney Theatre Company
https://www.sydneytheatre.com.au/what...

[Lauredhel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't often read plays, but this was funny and feminist.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Literally read this in a day. Observational and accurate. Great read, would love to see it on stage!

[Carlo Hengstler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great witty rom-com play, that is incredibly contemporary and cleverly written. I admit to laughing out loud at it a few times, something I consider a rarity!

The themes are substantially relevant to the current political climate, especially in terms of feminism and the reactionary men's rights and frustrations movements (meninism, incel culture, etc). With dialogue that is sharp, intelligent and serves its speakers well, Badham has written a play whose message can resonate well with BOTH sides of the 21st century conversation on men's/women's rights, and is a great read for those polarising on either side! Something we need more of...

Plus three cheers for original Australian theatre! Woop

[Alexandra Aubrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

got me in the end but weirdly disliked all the witty banter in the beginning but isn’t that just like every classic play ever? Maybe that’s why I disliked it. Still props for squishing my heart the tiniest bit at the end.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy single-session read and a fantastic modern play. Van Badham is a talented writer and I’ll be sure to seek out some more of her work.